The West Highland Way close to where the gear was found, with Dumgoyach on the right

Police are appealing for the public’s help after mystery camping gear was found on Scotland’s most popular long-distance path.

The tent and rucksack were found on the West Highland Way in Stirlingshire and police are keen to trace the owner to ensure his or her wellbeing.

Central Scotland Police said the equipment was discovered on the route near the Glengoyne Distillery, just north of Dumgoyach.

A spokesperson said the green tent and dark blue rucksack were found at the weekend. “The property appears to have been sometime left between 11am and 3.30pm on Sunday,” the spokesperson said. “Police are keen to speak with anyone who was in the area at this time and has information, or who may know the identity of the owner.”

Lomond Mountain Rescue Team was called out to search for a missing person who was originally thought to be the owner of the camping gear. Strathclyde Police alerted the team at 2.30pm yesterday in atrocious weather conditions as storm-force winds lashed the area.

A spokesperson for the team said: “A rucksack containing a tent, sleeping bag and mat had been found by a member of the public. The description of the equipment matched that of a missing person in the Strathclyde Police force area.

“The equipment was believed to belong to a 47-year-old woman who had been last seen at the peace camp outside Faslane naval base on 2 September.

“The search centred on where the rucksack was found on the West Highland Way just north of Dumgoyach hill. The wooded areas, including Dumgoyach, and ground bordering the fast-flowing Blane Water were thoroughly searched, initially by a police dog handler, then by mountain rescue personnel.

“In tandem with this effort on the ground, extensive police enquiries were continuing. This included efforts by Cumbria police, where the woman came from, and Strathclyde Police.

“Given the prevailing foul weather conditions and the lack of concrete evidence that the items found did belong to the missing person, the decision was taken to suspend the search, with the agreement of the police.”

The Lomond team was stood down at 6pm.

The spokesperson added: “News later came in to confirm that, after inspection of the photographs by friends in the peace camp, that the found equipment did not belong to the missing woman.”

Anyone with information that could help is asked to contact Central Scotland Police on 01786 456000, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 11.